Air To Water Heat Pumps
Energy-Efficient Hot Water and Heat Pump Home Heating for the Pacific Northwest
At The Earth Heating, we’re excited to offer Portland homeowners and businesses an innovative, high-efficiency heating solution: air-to-water heat pump systems. These advanced systems combine the reliability of a heat pump water heater with the versatility of a hydronic heating system, giving you consistent comfort, lower energy bills, and a greener footprint—all with one integrated setup.
Whether you’re looking to heat your home, supply hot water on demand, or power radiant floor heating, air-to-water systems deliver powerful performance while helping you cut down on emissions and operating costs.
What Is an Air-to-Water Heat Pump System?
This new technology is becoming an emerging alternative to traditional boilers.
- Electrically powered, offering an alternative to gas
- It can be installed under HVAC licensing, so doesn’t require boiler-specific regulations and compliance
- More efficient than gas and electric boilers
- Can work with existing radiant heating systems
An air-to-water heat pump transfers heat from the outdoor air into a water-based heating system. This heated water can then be used for:
- Domestic hot water (showers, sinks, laundry)
- Radiant floor heating
- Wall-mounted radiators or fan coil units
- Combination space and water heating
This technology is ideal for Portland’s climate, offering year-round efficiency even during cold, damp winters.
Key Benefits of Air-to-Water Heat Pump Systems
Highly Energy Efficient
These systems can provide up to 3–5 times more energy output than the electricity they consume. That means major savings on your heating and hot water bills compared to traditional electric or gas systems.
Versatile Home Integration
Air-to-water units can be configured to support radiant floors, baseboard heaters, or even supplement an existing hot water heating system—making them ideal for both retrofits and new construction.
Quiet & Low Maintenance
Unlike combustion-based systems, there are no burners or flues. This means quieter operation and fewer parts to maintain over time.
Eco-Friendly Operation
These systems significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint and help Portland homeowners move toward electrification goals.
Domestic Hot Water & Hydronic Heating in One
With an air-to-water system, you can combine your tankless water heater or heat pump water heater needs into a single solution. These systems are particularly efficient at heating domestic water, replacing both your water heater and central heating boiler.
From warm floors in the winter to reliable hot showers year-round, this integrated approach simplifies your mechanical setup and reduces energy waste.
Our Process
At The Earth Heating, we handle the entire project from start to finish:
- Initial Consultation
We evaluate your property, energy use, and comfort goals to determine whether an air-to-water heat pump is right for you. - System Design
We custom design your hydronic heating system to suit your home layout and usage requirements, including radiant zones, domestic water, and backup systems if needed. - Installation
Our licensed technicians install the full system with precision and care, ensuring compatibility with your plumbing, electric, and existing heating setup.
Ongoing Support
We offer ongoing support for maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades to ensure your investment lasts and performs at peak efficiency.
Ideal for Portland’s Climate
Portland’s mild winters and cool, damp climate are a perfect match for air-to-water heat pump technology. These systems continue to operate efficiently even in colder temperatures, making them a practical alternative to gas and electric resistance systems.
Trusted Installation in Portland, OR
Our team at The Earth Heating has years of experience designing and installing advanced heating and hot water systems throughout the Portland metro area. We serve homeowners in:
- Portland
- Gresham
- Beaverton
- Tigard
- Lake Oswego
- Clackamas and beyond
We understand the local permitting process, energy codes, and what works best for homes in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re searching for a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient way to heat your home and your water, an air-to-water heat pump system could be the perfect solution. Let The Earth Heating guide you through the process—from planning and installation to long-term performance. Call us today at (503) 788-7777 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a heat pump water heater and an air-to-water system?
A heat pump water heater typically heats only your domestic water. An air-to-water heat pump system does that—and can also provide space heating through radiant floors or hydronic radiators.
Can this system replace my gas boiler?
Yes. Air-to-water systems are a clean, all-electric alternative to gas boilers and are especially effective when paired with radiant heat systems or fan coils.
How efficient are these systems compared to tankless water heaters?
Air-to-water systems are more energy-efficient than traditional tankless water heaters, especially when used for both domestic water and home heating.
Do I need radiant floors to use this type of system?
Not necessarily. These systems can also connect to radiators, fan coils, or other hot water heating systems to distribute warmth throughout your home.
How long does installation take?
Most projects can be completed within a few days, depending on system complexity and whether it’s a retrofit or new build.
